Bear Won
Bearpawttery is the alias of Saskatoon potter, Ya-Li “Bear” Won. Since August 2020, she has produced her work full-time from her apartment studio. Bear draws inspiration from the natural world and the contemporary design. Her work, largely functional, exudes a joyous appreciation for colour, texture and geometry.
How would you describe what craft is?
Craft is made with hearts with love and by hands with skills.
My community is full of crafts people and artist. It’s important for me to be able to share thoughts and talk to people who has open and similar mind.
Where did you learn your craft?
In fall 2018, I took my first pottery classes which were hosted by the Saskatoon Potter’s Guild. I started with the “beginner wheel throwing class” and then moved to the “intermediate wheel throwing” class in spring 2019. In both cases, my instructor was Paula Cooley, whose patience and personal advice were very helpful in fostering my development and learning. Taking her classes inspired me to practice and experiment a lot on my own. Following these courses, I learned that there was an online event called The Ceramics Congress, an online event which invites many amazing ceramics artist from all around the world to record workshops and hot live Q&A sessions for the attendees. I have learned a lot from the workshops and also from the ceramics artists/enthusiasts I met all around the world via this event.
What do you want people to know about your work?
My work takes a lot of hours from start to finish, usually between 3-6 hours for each piece. Therefore, I try to only make what I am excited to make at the moment. Enjoy the process has been an important thing for me to be able to create work.
Bear Pawttery Ceramics
CONTACT
Email: bearpawttery@gmail.com
Instagram: @Bearpawttery
Website: www.bearpawttery.ca
